Sibu park taking shape after 20-year wait

The Star

17-07-2025

Tiang (fourth from right) and Lau (fourth from left) during the visit to the Jalan Apollo community park.
THE first phase of upgrading works at the long-awaited community park on Jalan Apollo in Sarawak's Pelawan constituency, Sibu, has been comple­ted.
Construction began in Novem­ber 2024 and was completed last March, with funding from the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP).
Sara­wak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang, who is also Pelawan assemblyman, visited the park.
He was accompanied by his service team and officials from Sibu Municipal Council.
Deshon West development and security committee chairman Lau Sei Kwong said the land in the neighbourhood had remained idle for over two decades despite residents' calls for a public park.
'It was only after Tiang took office and engaged with the community that plans moved forward, with RTP funds allocated to turn the vacant space into a recreational facility,' said Lau.
The first phase included installing a new drainage system, turfing, stone benches and solar-­powered streetlights.
The next phase will see the addition of cement walkways and basic fitness equipment.
A pickleball court is also being considered, subject to available funding, Lau said.
'This park will be more than just a playground for children.
'It will be a place for families to gather, for residents to relax, exercise and build a stronger community.' he said.
He added that the development of community parks was among Tiang's key election pledges and several such projects had already been completed across the Pelawan constituency.